You could get by using a light that comes with aquariums, just change the bulb to a 6500k and plant the fore mentioned plants. The cost would make your aquarium much more enjoyable, I actually enjoy my plants more than my fish.

i purchased this tank n stand didnt come with hood and light therefore i cant transfer globes and what not, i have a 2ft light that i am going to buy but havent got into going to pick up as its abuot an hour and a half away from me and i dont drive at this moment, i know this probably will be too small for my tank (4ft) but for the price was cheap and will do for now, what would the light be in order for plants to grow?? thanks for that byron yeah i started 2 of the same threads cos one didnt come up so started another lol sorry about that, will keep you updated and thanks will look into getting some java fern and anubias and a nice piece of driftwood

I've heard you can use a clip-on lamp, maybe with a fluorescent screw-on bulb that would have a 6500K color temperature?? I actually don't know if that's available, but you can look around - hardware stores.

I think if you skimp on the lighting you might regret it later. I think it would be better if you wait on the whole thing some until you can afford something that would really allow your plants to grow well. Just my opinion.

If your talking about Water sprites as the plants for your Fri tank, you will need lights for that tank also. I have a 10 gallon Fri tank and run 2 13 watt fluorescent bulbs. Water Sprites require good lighting!

One cheap option since your tanks is 48" would be to buy a cheap fixture at Lowes and then get 6500K bulbs to go in. WalMart also carries these fixtures that are 48", they only come in white at my local Wal-Mart however. I think they run about 12 bucks or so and then you would have to buy two bulbs in the 6500k range. This should work for low light plants. It is not as pretty as a light dsigned for a fish tank but it will get you by for a while.

One cheap option since your tanks is 48" would be to buy a cheap fixture at Lowes and then get 6500K bulbs to go in. WalMart also carries these fixtures that are 48", they only come in white at my local Wal-Mart however. I think they run about 12 bucks or so and then you would have to buy two bulbs in the 6500k range. This should work for low light plants. It is not as pretty as a light dsigned for a fish tank but it will get you by for a while.

I'am not sure if they have a Lowes or Wal-Mart in Australia?? But now a days oh knows!!!